Brexit: Hopes and fears of an EU student living in the UK

As the UK elections become closer and closer, I decided to interview an EU citizen currently living and studying in Brighton, East Sussex. This conversation with M. D. (these are her initials) is going to be a resource to get a better understanding of how a direct witness, who is definitely going to be affected by it, perceives the EU-UK divorce.

Q: How long have you been living in the UK?

A: It’s been two years.

What do you study? Were you planning on working in the UK after graduation?

I study Media and Communications and yes, absolutely, I was.

Do you think Britain leaving the European Union could possibly affect your future in the UK?

Yes, definitely.

How so?

My plan was to stay in the UK to work, I don’t know if I’ll able to with the regulations brought about by Brexit. That’s why I’m thinking I might have to move somewhere else in Europe.

How long do you think it’s going to take for these changes to actually take place?

Well, many have said they might already be active in 2019, but I believe it could take longer than that. The UK would want to deal with the exit a certain way, but the Union obviously won’t let them. Right now, the UK is thinking that they are in charge, but in this case it’s the EU that’s is in charge of making the regulations for Britain to leave. I believe the UK won’t be able to get exactly what they want, so it may take a while. And of course, it depends on the elections for the Prime Minister as well.

Yes, that was going to be my next question, actually. So, Britain is going to be called to vote on June 8th. Do you think a new leader could make the whole process of leaving different?

Yes, absolutely. Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party have always stated that they’d want a “smooth” Brexit, while the Tories are in favour of harsher changes. Depending on who the British people will choose, the approach on UK’s exit is going to be different. Theresa May has always supported a drastic leave while the Labour Party might find different solutions for European citizens living in the UK and British citizens living abroad. May didn’t really touch upon this issue, but they’re both big communities that need to feel safe and know they are granted a future.

In conclusion, what are your plans for the future and what do you hope for?

My original idea was to remain in the UK to work, so hopefully, I’ll have the chance to do so. Otherwise, I might consider moving somewhere else in Europe. We shall see!

So many have come to the UK looking for a place to get a good education and a chance of a better future, and there is no doubt Britain leaving the EU might turn the tables for all of these people. The UK is going through difficult and uncertain times, aggravated by the attack that just took place in Manchester, but that doesn’t mean future can’t be bright. One thing, though, is certain: a huge decision on the country’s fate will be made by the British people in this election when the country heads out to vote on 8th June.